UTI
and pregnancy

UTI
commonly known as urinary tract infection affects the urinary tract. UTI
is an inflammation caused by bacteria and it is more common during pregnancy.

Pregnant women have to be very careful about this urinary tract infection
between the sixth and the twenty fourth week as they are more susceptible
to the infection during that period.

If
detected early the patient can be very safely treated with antibiotics
causing no harm to the child.Urinary tract infection is more common in
pregnant women mainly because of the block in the urinary tract due to
increased weight of the growing uterus.

The common symptoms are burning sensation or pain during urination, urinating
very often, mucus or blood in urine, pain in the lower abdomen etc. Generally
when the infection spreads to the kidneys the person will experience back
pain, nausea, fever or vomiting.

To know if
a person is suffering from uti the person has to have urine analysis and
urine culture. In the general circumstances only urine analysis is recommended.

If the situation
seems complicated like uti during pregnancy, uti immediately after hospitalization
or urinary tract infection immediately after urethral instrumentation
the person is advised urine culture.

Urine culture
is recommended in such cases that have failed to respond in initial treatment
or such infection caused by a rare or resistant organism.

Urine culture
is recommended for pregnant women and also for children, male and elderly
persons .Advanced urine culture test with sensitivity testing also recommends
the antibiotic most appropriate to the patient.

UTI can be
very easily detected and safe pregnancy can be assured if the pregnant
women observe the change in themselves like fever, pain in the lower stomach,
nausea etc., and seek the guidance of the doctor immediately. Usually
antibiotics that are very safe both for the pregnant woman and the child
will be prescribed by the doctors.

UTI can be
prevented to some extent and safe pregnancy can be made possible if some
home remedies are followed. It is always advisable to drink six to eight
glasses of water every day.

It is best
to avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar and refined foods. It is better to
choose cotton garments always and to avoid using soap, sprays or antiseptic
creams.

Although
uti i.e., urinary tract infection is common during pregnancy, if acute
care is taken and if detected early uti can be cured easily as there are
medicines and such antibiotics that are safe for both the mother and the
baby.